Events in Nacogdoches

The fun-loving East Texas town of Nacogdoches is filled with annual events that make newcomers feel like locals. From rodeos to wine swirls, it’s clear this town likes to have a good time.  

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March

Nacogdoches County Championship Rodeo

“Yee-haw!” You’ll be hanging on the edge of your seat watching top regional riders showcase their bronc riding, mutton bustin’, and barrel racing skills. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, this rodeo delivers on Texas-size thrills and fun.  

Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center
3805 NW Stallings Drive 
Nacogdoches, TX 75964 

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April

Nacogdoches Main Street Downtown Wine Swirl

Sample reds and whites from at least 15 Texas wineries, be entertained by street performers, and savor the delicious cuisine served by local and regional food trucks at this one-day festival.

Historic Downtown
Nacogdoches, TX 75962

Texas National Art Exhibition 

Open April through June, Stephen F. Austin State University's acclaimed art competition and exhibition features work from nationwide artists. Held at the Cole Art Center at the Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches, this juried art show holds winning entries from contemporary artists working in a variety of media.

The Cole Art Center at the Old Opera House 
329 East Main Street 
Nacogdoches, TX 75962 

Nacogdoches Half Marathon  

Lace up those sneakers and head out to the Nacogdoches Half Marathon in the beautiful spring weather. This event includes a 5K and 10K, and takes runners through scenic, historic Nacogdoches and the campus of Stephen F. Austin University.

Nacogdoches, TX 75964 

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May

Texas National Art Exhibition 

Open April through June, Stephen F. Austin State University's acclaimed art competition and exhibition features work from nationwide artists. Held at the Cole Art Center at the Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches, this juried art show holds winning entries from contemporary artists working in a variety of media.

The Cole Art Center at the Old Opera House 
329 East Main Street 
Nacogdoches, TX 75962 

Red Dirt Mud Run 

Unlike any fun run, the Red Dirt Mud Run is an invitation to get down and dirty as you scurry across a muddy open pasture, wooded trails, and 25 obstacle courses. First timer? No worries! The course has routes for beginner, advanced, and hardcore runners.  

Nacogdoches, TX 75964 

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June

Texas Blueberry Festival

The Lone Star State's only state-sanctioned blueberry festival draws 19,000 visitors every year for a celebration of plump, local blueberries grown under the Texas sun. The festival includes a 5K run, live music, blueberry picking, pet parade, car show, and even a no-hands pie-eating contest!

Festival Grounds
200 East Main Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Texas National Art Exhibition 

Open April through June, Stephen F. Austin State University's acclaimed art competition and exhibition features work from nationwide artists. Held at the Cole Art Center at the Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches, this juried art show holds winning entries from contemporary artists working in a variety of media.

The Cole Art Center at the Old Opera House 
329 East Main Street 
Nacogdoches, TX 75962 

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July

Freedom Fest 

Three cheers for the red, white, and blue at Freedom Fest, Nacogdoches’ annual Fourth of July celebration. Gather at Festival Park in the late afternoon for all sorts of patriotic fun, including a washer toss tournament, food vendors, DJ, and a kids’ zone. As darkness falls, get ready for a dazzling display of fireworks in honor of American independence.  

Festival Park
507 S. Pecan Street  
Nacogdoches, TX 75961 

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October

Ghosts of Millard’s Crossing 

Calling all ghosts, ghouls, and goblins! Wicked good fun awaits at this annual Halloween carnival for kids. The carnival comes complete with trick-or-treating, costume contest, petting zoo, pony and hayrides, face painting, a haunted car show, and lots more.

Millard's Crossing Historic Village
6020 North Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75965.

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November

Nine Flags Festival 

Are you ready for the holidays? Nacogdoches welcomes the season in style with the multi-week, family-friendly Nine Flags Festival. Kicking off in November, the festival features the Merry Christmas Market, a two-day shopping event in downtown Nacogdoches with food trucks and holiday sales. The festivities also feature the Loblolly Train Display and Wassail Fest, during which wassail is served at downtown businesses. More fun follows in December!

Locations Vary 
Nacogdoches, TX 75965 

Holiday in the Pines  

Shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and goodies in one convenient location at the annual Holiday in the Pines. Held at the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center, the gathering features 60 specialty shops from across the country selling all sorts of unique merchandise. This retail wonderland is the perfect place to take care of your holiday shopping! 

Nacogdoches County Exposition and Civic Center
3805 NW Stallings Dr
Nacogdoches, TX 75965 

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December

Nine Flags Festival 

Are you ready for the holidays? Nacogdoches welcomes the season in style with the multi-week, family-friendly Nine Flags Festival. Kicking off in November, the festival features the Merry Christmas Market, a two-day shopping event in downtown Nacogdoches with food trucks and holiday sales. The festivities also feature the Loblolly Train Display and Wassail Fest, during which wassail is served at downtown businesses. More fun follows in December!

Locations Vary 
Nacogdoches, TX 75965

Millard’s Crossing Old Fashioned Christmas 

Experience the historic village of Millard's Crossing transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, live music, food and drink, and Santa himself. With face painting, wreath making, petting zoo, and even a live performance of A Christmas Carol, there's something here for everyone.

Millard's Crossing Historic Village
6020 North Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75965.